Bad Habits That Can Affect Our Oral Health - Nail Biting, Using Teeth As Tools, Chewing Ice Cubes, Frequent Snacking, Thumb Sucking, Teeth Grinding, Brushing Too Hard.

Posted by Alyson Hemann Jan 20,2023

Many bad habits can negatively affect your oral health. Habits like nail biting, using teeth as tools, chewing ice cubes, frequent snacking, thumb sucking, teeth grinding, and brushing too hard can chip or crack your teeth. Other habits, like smoking, can stain your teeth and increase your risk of gum disease.

Nail Biting

Nail biting is a very common bad habit that’s unhealthy for not only our oral and dental health but for our overall health as well. It can cause teeth to become short, chipped or even fractured due to uneven pressure being applied over long periods of time. It can also wear away enamel, soft gum tissue and even cause jaw pain from misaligned bites.

Nail biting can also cause discoloration to teeth and gum irritation if the nail is sharp or jagged. In addition to our teeth, nail biting can also be harmful to our skin and cause hangnails or infections which will require treatment by a doctor. At our practice, we can work with you to find the best way to stop this bad habit and to maintain your healthy smile and oral health.

If you would like to learn more about this topic from our Glendale dentist, schedule a consultation with us by calling our office at (818) 548-0450 today!

By Brian J. Gray, DDS MAGD FICOI & Kristen E. Gray, DDS MS

Tuesday, August 14, 2018 in Dental Care | Comments Off on Nail Biting – A Common Dental Problem We Can Help With

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Using Teeth As Tools

Certain habits become second nature to us and we forget that our teeth aren’t supposed to go through the motions we’ve become accustomed to. Although biting your nails or chewing on ice cubes may not seem like a big deal, these habits can actually cause damage over time.

One specific habit that can wear out your enamel is known as Bruxism. This is a condition in which a person unconsciously clenches or grinds their teeth during the night while sleeping. This can lead to tooth sensitivity, worn down enamel and even cracked or broken teeth. If you are suffering from symptoms of bruxism, please contact your dentist right away for a custom mouth guard to protect your teeth from further damage and alleviate discomfort.

Many patients who suffer from bruxism also suffer from Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD). Symptoms of TMD include jaw or face pain, earaches, headaches, clicking or popping in the jaw, sore jaw muscles and more. If you suspect you may be suffering from TMD, contact our office to set up an appointment today!

It’s never too late to break a bad habit. Practicing good oral hygiene and visiting the dentist for regular exams and cleanings are the best way to ensure your smile stays healthy and beautiful for years to come.

Make sure you visit Drs. Ali & Ali and the caring team at Wellesley Dental Group for all of your oral health needs. We provide comprehensive dental care for patients of all ages including general, restorative and cosmetic dentistry. Call today to make an appointment for you or a member of your family at 781-237-0050.

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Chewing Ice Cubes

Although ice can be refreshing on a hot day or even help calm an upset stomach, it can do major damage to your teeth if you chew on it regularly. Your teeth are incredibly strong and durable, but they aren’t meant to withstand the extreme pressures created by chewing on ice.

If you often find yourself crunching on ice at the end of a meal or snack, you’re putting yourself at risk for chipped, cracked, or broken teeth. These issues can not only lead to intense pain but also make it difficult to chew your food comfortably. Moreover, the damage that ice can create to your teeth can make it nearly impossible to repair your smile with restorative procedures such as dental implants or other tooth replacement options.

Instead of chewing on ice, consider drinking beverages through a straw to prevent the ice from touching your teeth. If you’re still tempted to use your molars to crack open a piece of ice, it’s better to break it up with a plastic knife before putting it in your mouth. If your habit is severe, talk to your dentist about other ways you can break your ice habit without damaging your teeth. We are happy to provide you with the tips and tricks you need to kick this bad habit once and for all!

Ice isn’t the only thing that’s bad for your teeth. In fact, there are a variety of bad habits that may lead to a variety of oral health problems. We’re covering these habits throughout our blog and would be happy to talk to you about the ways they affect your oral health.

To schedule your next appointment at our practice, please reach out to Dental Solutions of Mississippi today. We look forward to helping you enjoy a healthy smile for years to come. 2/3 STORY HERE

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Frequent Snacking

When we snack between meals, our teeth are exposed to sugars and acids that can cause cavities. If you are a regular snacker, try using a straw when you drink soda or iced tea to limit the amount of contact your teeth have with the liquid. Consider snacking on healthy foods like cheese, nuts, fruits, veggies, yogurt, and whole grains instead.

We recommend that patients brush their teeth for two minutes twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a toothpaste with fluoride. Toothpastes with fluoride help to strengthen the tooth enamel and prevent tooth decay. In addition to brushing at least twice a day, we recommend flossing once a day to remove plaque from the areas where your toothbrush cannot reach. We also recommend that our patients visit our dentist in Gainesville twice a year for a teeth cleaning and checkup. During your visit, we will remove built-up plaque on the teeth and check for signs of decay and gum disease.

If you have questions about how to improve your dental health, we welcome you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Almoney. You can contact us at [phone]. We hope to hear from you soon!

For a consultation with a Gainesville dentist you can trust, call [phone] today!

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Thumb Sucking

Thumb sucking is a natural reflex in infants and young children. However, it can have serious consequences on your child’s oral development. If a habit persists beyond the age of three, it can lead to malocclusion. A misaligned bite can negatively impact a child’s ability to chew and speak clearly. It can also affect their self-esteem.

There is no reason to worry if your child is over the age of three and still sucking their thumb. The habit can be difficult to control. Fortunately, an orthodontist can provide effective treatment if persistent thumb sucking is causing misalignment of the teeth. They can also provide tips for breaking the habit. An orthodontist will provide guidance and solutions to common issues caused by bad habits like thumb sucking.

Text Version

Thumb sucking is a normal reflex in children between the ages of three and seven. It typically stops after age seven. If your child continues to suck their thumb after the normally expected age of cessation, it can cause orthodontic problems. This can result in tooth misalignment and other oral health concerns.

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Teeth Grinding

Teeth grinding is also called bruxism. It’s when you clench your jaw or grind your teeth unconsciously in your sleep. This can happen due to stress, or for unknown reasons. (1)

If you ever wake up with a headache or a sore face, teeth grinding could be the cause. Your dentist can catch it early on if you visit them regularly for checkups and cleaning. They’ll be able to spot signs like tooth wear, or even cracked teeth so treatment can begin as soon as possible. (2)

If left untreated, chronic teeth grinding can lead to TMJ disorders and other problems. (3) Talk to your dentist if you feel you may have an issue with teeth grinding. Treatments can range from customized night guards to Botox injections. (4)

If you catch yourself doing this during the day – even just occasionally – try to relax your jaw muscles. Work on deep breathing techniques to help calm your body down. Avoid chewing gum or eating hard foods like popcorn, as these could lead to more clenching throughout the day. (5)

The post Bad Habits That Can Affect Our Oral Health appeared first on Fresh Dental.

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In the spirit of #GivingTuesday, we’d like to thank our patients and team for helping us give back this year. Since opening our doors in 2012, we have made it a priority to donate our time, talent, & treasure to the communities we serve. Today we continue to serve our community through programs such as Hope Smiles (which provided

Brushing Too Hard

When it comes to brushing your teeth, do you really know how to effectively remove plaque without causing damage to tooth enamel? Brushing too hard is actually one of the most common oral health mistakes people make! Many people think that by scrubbing harder they are removing more plaque and bacteria from their teeth, but they are actually causing more harm than good. Toothbrush bristles are soft for a reason, so it’s important to focus on proper technique rather than trying to scrub your pearly whites clean. Here are three tips to keep in mind when brushing your teeth:

1. Gently brush the outside surfaces of your upper and lower teeth using short strokes. Be sure to brush the chewing surfaces of your teeth as well.

2. When cleaning the inside surfaces of your teeth, use a soft-bristled toothbrush or a back-and-forth motion on your electric toothbrush.

3. Don’t forget to floss at least once every day to remove food particles and dental plaque from between your teeth.

And there you have it -- three helpful tips for healthy oral care habits that everyone can benefit from. Remember to always set a good example for your kids by practicing good oral hygiene at home. It’s never too late to start improving your oral health care routine; contact our team at [practice_name] for more information or to schedule a consultation. We would be happy to answer any questions you may have about your oral health care and to help you achieve and maintain a beautiful, healthy smile for years to come.

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Tooth Extraction Recovery: What You Should Know

Tooth extraction is a routine procedure performed by dental health professionals. It is necessary when you have wisdom teeth that put pressure on adjacent teeth, crowded teeth, excessive tooth decay, or a tooth infection. You may have heard or read about the procedure plenty of times. But, do you know what the recovery process entails? We perform dozens of dental extractions each year. In this blog, he wants to give you an insight into the recovery process to help prepare you for the procedure. STAGES OF RECOVERY AFTER TOOTH EXTRACTION You need to pay close attention to your recovery process to ensure you are healing well. Here are the stages of recovery you should know about: * You are likely to experience some swelling, bleeding, or blood clots forming in the first 24 hours after the tooth extraction. Slight pain and discomfort are common occurrences during this period. However, don’t be alarmed. Our dentist will provide all the required instructions and medication to help you feel well. * After about 24 hours, you need to take extra care to ensure you don’t dislodge the clot as this can lead to complications. Avoid brushing on the side where the extraction was performed. * Within the first week, your gum will start to heal around the extraction site, and within the first ten days, the site will heal completely. After two weeks, you should no longer experience tenderness in your gums. DO’S AND DON'TS AFTER TOOTH EXTRACTION Here are a few do and don’ts you should be aware of to help with the tooth extraction recovery process: * Apply an ice pack after the procedure to reduce swelling and minimize any pain you might feel. Continue this multiple times for 10-minute intervals until you feel comfortable. * Bite down on the gauze your dentist places to prevent bleeding. * Take medication only as directed by the dentist. * Don’t use straws as you may disturb the extraction site. * Don’t rush into your routine the next day. Rest for at least 24 hours. * Consume soft foods like yogurt and pudding, and stay away from crunchy foods for a few days. * If you feel unbearable pain or serious bleeding, get in touch with us immediately. For more information on tooth extraction and the healing process, get in touch with us today.

The Benefits of Sedation Dentistry

Do you avoid visiting the dentist simply because you dread the thought of the pain? If you experience dental anxiety, you are not alone. Dental anxiety is a common problem that can prevent patients from receiving needed dental care. However, there are several sedation dentistry options available to make your appointment more comfortable. Here are some benefits they offer: MINIMALLY INVASIVE Thanks to sedation dentistry, patients can enjoy the benefits of cosmetic dental procedures without undergoing surgery or experiencing pain during their procedure. Some procedures that are commonly performed while a patient is under sedation include dental implants and smile makeovers. Patients who are anxious about their dental treatment can also benefit from sedation dentistry, as it helps to relieve a lot of anxiety prior to a procedure. Since many sedatives allow patients to feel groggy and relaxed after the procedure is done, they can also take a casual approach to their work day after their appointment is over. This helps ensure that they are able to rest and relax for the rest of the day or even the night following their visit. MULTIPLE PROCEDURES IN A SINGLE VISIT With sedation dentistry, you can have several dental procedures done in one appointment. This saves you time, and you can relax knowing that your oral care is taken care of at once. For example, if you’re having a tooth removed, it’s common to also replace that tooth with a dental implant at the same appointment. Or, if you need multiple cavities filled, you can have them all done at the same time. There is no need to come back for multiple appointments, which saves both time and money. LESS TIME IN THE DENTIST CHAIR Did you know that sedation dentistry can drastically reduce the amount of time you’ll need to spend in the dentist’s chair? For patients with dental anxiety, the thought of sitting in a dental chair can make them dread going to the dentist and put off semi-annual cleanings and examinations. For such patients, sedation dentistry is a savior! REDUCED NEED FOR LOCAL ANESTHETIC For patients who experience mild or severe anxiety, sedation dentistry can be a godsend! Patients who undergo sedation during dental treatment often need less anesthetic during the procedure as well. Additionally, you may be more comfortable and relaxed throughout treatment, which can provide you with a more positive overall experience with your dentist. REDUCED ANXIETY Many patients are nervous before receiving dental treatment. Some patients worry about the sound of the equipment, the smells of the dental materials or needles, or the discomfort that may be associated with treatment. Sedation dentistry allows these patients to relax and receive care in a comfortable way. For the best dental services, everyone in the family should visit Kirby Smiles at 3695 Kirby Dr. Suite 129, Pearland 77584, or call 281-941-5488.

Why Choose a Family Dentist?

Family dentistry is a dental practice that helps patients of all ages, from babies to seniors. Family dentists provide preventative care, treat dental problems, and help keep smiles healthy. There are numerous reasons why you should choose a family dentist: COMPREHENSIVE DENTAL CARE A family dentist offers comprehensive dental care for all ages, from infants to seniors. In fact, a family dentist is a preventative specialty that diagnoses issues before they progress into more serious oral health problems that require more extensive treatments or surgery. Additionally, your entire family can be treated in one convenient location and under the care of one doctor who knows your teeth history. A comprehensive exam can also include a medical review of your teeth and gums along with oral cancer screening due to the close link between your oral health and overall health. Your family dentist can spot signs of other health conditions like diabetes, heart disease, osteoporosis, and cancer. At your regular appointments, your family dentist will also perform an oral cancer screening and check for periodontal disease as well as tooth decay. Other benefits of having your family get care at a single location include receiving consistent treatment from the same team, saving time on repeated trips to the dentist’s office, and having all your records stored in one place. COMFORTABLE ENVIRONMENT Many parents are concerned about the safety of their children at a dental office, but family dentistry providers have child-friendly waiting areas and treatment rooms to make patients of all ages feel more at ease. Individualized treatment plans can also be created for each child based on their unique needs and concerns. Children who visit the dentist regularly can expect to have healthy teeth throughout their lifetimes! A welcoming environment is just one of the many benefits of a family dentist. At Kirby Smiles, we work with all members of the family, from young children to grandparents. SAME-DAY PROCEDURES While our same-day procedures are ideal for individuals who want to avoid the hassle of multiple visits to the dentist, they’re also a great way for families to take care of all of their dental care needs in one visit. This includes everything from exams and cleanings to cosmetic and restorative treatments. BEST FOR CHILDREN When children grow up going to the same dentist as their parents, it’s easier for everyone to stay on the same page when it comes to their dental health. This familiarity can help improve the chances of your child following in your footsteps. But it’s also important to find a family dentistry practice that offers a range of treatments and services for all ages so that everyone in the family can enjoy healthy smiles that will last a lifetime. For the best dental services, everyone in the family should visit Kirby Smiles at 3695 Kirby Dr. Suite 129, Pearland 77584, or call 281-941-5488.

Habits That Can Damage Your Teeth And Oral Health

Good oral hygiene is vital to maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Unfortunately, many people develop oral health habits that can harm their teeth. Listed below are a few habits that can affect our oral health. Nail Biting The habit of biting fingernails or chewing on other objects like pens and pencils is called "onychophagia" in the medical world. The habit may be a form of stress release for some people, but it can cause problems for your oral health. Biting down your fingernail can cause damage to teeth by causing hairline fractures in the surface of your teeth. These small cracks can lead to pain and possibly infection if not treated properly. Biting down on something that's not food can also cause damage to the enamel of the tooth, resulting in sensitivity and weakening of the tooth structure. This could lead to the need for restorative treatments to be done to the damaged tooth. Chewing Ice Cubes Chewing ice cubes can damage your teeth. The cold temperature can numb the inside of your mouth, increasing the chances that you'll actually chew on the ice rather than letting it melt away on your tongue. This constant gnawing movement can wear down your teeth's natural enamel, leading to cavities, sensitivity, and other oral health problems. In addition to the ice in your drink, chewing ice itself can also harm your pearly whites. You may notice visible indentations or fractures in the surface of your teeth if you've engaged in this type of activity frequently over long periods of time. Enamel is the protective outer layer of your tooth, so when it's compromised, it can lead to more serious problems down the road. This is why it is so important to protect your teeth from damage by avoiding these bad habits in the first place! Frequent Snacking The more frequently our teeth are exposed to foods and drinks containing sugar or acid, the more damage they will suffer over time. This is why we tell patients to try to avoid snacking between meals whenever possible. However, we know that this isn't always an easy habit to break. If you must snack, try to eat something nutritious such as carrots, celery, or other crunchy vegetables. These snacks help to clean your teeth naturally while helping you reduce a snack craving. Thumb Sucking Thumb-sucking is a bad habit that can affect a child's oral health by causing teeth to protrude and disrupt occlusion. Not only will this affect the aesthetics of a smile, but it can also lead to speech impediments when teeth are impacted too severely. Most children stop thumb-sucking on their own between the ages of 4-6 years. However, if this bad habit persists beyond that time, orthodontic intervention may be required to correct the malocclusion. Teeth Grinding Teeth grinding is an uncommon condition characterized by the clenching of teeth or the rubbing of the teeth against each other. Although the main symptom of tooth grinding may be jaw pain, it can also cause headaches, earaches, and damage to the teeth. If left untreated, it can eventually lead to tooth loss. If you grind your teeth at night while you sleep, your dentist may recommend a custom-fitted mouth guard to protect your teeth. Also, try to reduce your stress levels by exercising regularly, meditating, getting enough sleep, and/or talking to a therapist. Consider quitting smoking, as well. Brushing Too Hard Many patients think they are brushing their teeth the right way, but the hard bristles of manual toothbrushes can cause much damage if used incorrectly. It's recommended to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and use light pressure instead of scrubbing back and forth with force. To learn more about our dental services, visit Kirby Smiles at 3695 Kirby Dr. Suite 129, Pearland 77584, or call 281-941-5488.

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Alyson Hemann

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